By Peter Young
Driving from appointment to appointment in a company-owned vehicle is an everyday occurrence for many pest management professionals (PMPs), and it is a task they complete with very little forethought and, typically, few major complications. However, as fleet operations become more commonplace in the pest control industry, it can be easy to disregard the significant risks that simply operating a company vehicle can place on technicians, fellow drivers in the field, and pest control businesses.
Top Risks
A PMP often makes multiple stops a day, traveling on side streets, major highways, and through residential neighborhoods. Along the way, technicians are subjected to a number of risks that could lead to accidents and costly outcomes for the pest control businesses they represent. Just a few include:
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Distractions: Working in the field and on the road comes with a variety of distractions. On top of usual distractions such as personal text messages, adjusting the radio, or reaching for an item, PMPs may also receive client and colleague calls or be pressed for time between appointments. Such distractions could leave a driver’s guard down and lead to a serious accident.
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Driver Behavior: PMPs driving company vehicles are representatives of the companies they work for and often operate vehicles displaying their company logo and phone number. Drivers engaging in dangerous driving habits such as speeding, hard braking, and reckless behavior place a risk not only on themselves and drivers around them but also on the entire company through increased insurance costs, repair and replacement expenses, business interruptions due to inoperable vehicles, and reputational impacts.
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Theft: On any given day, a technician can enter and exit their vehicle countless times. Each time a PMP leaves their vehicle unattended, it is subject to theft—either of the entire vehicle or the equipment and parts stored inside. Thieves know work vehicles often contain expensive equipment and chemicals not available for general purchase, making pest control vehicles a prime target. Replacing or repairing stolen equipment and vehicles can be costly and may interrupt a technician’s ability to fulfill client needs.
Solutions
The pest control industry depends on service vehicles for many jobs; however, operating a fleet of company-owned vehicles comes with a number of risks. Fortunately, technology has evolved drastically over the years, presenting business owners with new solutions to monitor their drivers and vehicles and mitigate potential risks, even when technicians are on the road.
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Dashcams: Both driver-facing and forward-facing dash cameras can be a crucial defense for pest control fleets. Dash cams can serve as proof of who was at fault in the event of an accident and present evidence of driver behavior that creates additional risk for the company, the employee, and others on the road.
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Telematics: Pest control business owners can use telematics to monitor their drivers’ behaviors, such as hard braking or speeding. Telematics tools come in many different forms, such as a black box device or mobile device data, but all serve the same purpose of gathering driver data. With this data, business owners can address driver behavior and offer potential solutions.
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GPS Tracking and Sensors: Installing GPS trackers and sensors on all fleet vehicles can help deter thieves as well as aid in the quick recovery of stolen vehicles. If a vehicle is stolen, GPS trackers can help locate it and provide alerts when vehicles move outside their service zone. Alarm sensors on all doors of work vehicles can sound an alarm and notify technicians and supervisors if someone attempts to enter the vehicle or access components like a catalytic converter.
Training
While technology is a great way for pest control business owners to monitor and track their fleet operations, the data they receive from technology should be incorporated into their training practices rather than replace training altogether. Drivers should be trained in safe driving practices and company protocols at hire, annually, and whenever an incident occurs. If a driver’s telematics reports reveal unsafe habits, they should undergo additional training as well.
Many of the risks pest control fleets face can seem unmanageable and left to fate. However, with the help of technology, business owners can gain better control over their fleets and their drivers’ behaviors while offering a defense in the event of an incident. Consider speaking with an insurance professional who understands the pest control industry to evaluate how technology can support your fleet operations and help keep your drivers safe.
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Pest Management Professional – Direct to You Newsletter (Oct 2024)